Environmental protection is not just a slogan. A strong participatory action programme is required to realise the objectives of Sustainable Development. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) through Panch Parivartan action programme is showing the way forward. This Mahashivratri, the Punjab unit of Paryavaran Gatividhi (Haryaval Punjab) in a significant step towards environmental sustainability launched the Green Mahashivratri Awareness Campaign. This initiative aims to make Bharat plastic-free and cancer-free by engaging religious and social organisations in banning the use of disposable plates and plastic materials during Mahashivratri celebrations and other social and religious events while promoting the use of steel plates for langars and bhandaras in temples and public spaces.
Additionally, Haryaval Punjab also planned to establish a Bartan Bank in Jagraon, Ludhiana. Notably, this campaign was introduced following the grand success of the Ek Thaila, Ek Thali initiative during Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, which resulted in a reduction of nearly 30,000 tons of waste. The response to this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive since its inception, with numerous religious institutions and local communities pledging their support.
This growing awareness and commitment was visibly reflected within just a few days as on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, the Bhagat Puran Singh Bartan Bank in Jagraon, Ludhiana, Punjab, took a remarkable step by providing stainless steel utensils at four different locations for community langars and bhandaras, ensuring that no disposable utensils were used.
The first bhandara was organised at Shukrana Wale Guruji’s place in Grewal Colony, Ludhiana where approximately 1,000 people received prasad. The second bhandara took place at Shivala Mandir, Purani Sabji Mandi Road, with around 2,000 devotees participating. At Shree Krishna Gaushala, Jagraon, 500 people attended the Shivratri celebrations and received food. Additionally, at Dalip Petrol Pump, a bhandara was arranged for devotees returning from Haridwar with holy water, serving approximately 2,000 people.
The Haryaval Punjab unit ensured that disposable utensils were not used at any of these locations, promoting environmental sustainability. Bhuvan Goyal, a member of Haryaval Punjab, praised the initiative, stating that the Bartan Bank in Jagraon is an excellent effort encouraging people to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings. He also highlighted that this initiative has already significantly reduced the need for thousands of disposable pattals.
“What started as a small initiative with just 300 utensils has successfully demonstrated its impact. The efforts of the Bartan Bank have set a significant example—reducing waste accumulation, enhancing the experience of eating in stainless steel utensils, cutting down the cost of disposable plates, and even creating employment opportunities for dishwashers. This initiative aligns with the vision of Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat,” he added.
The Haryaval Punjab unit has further urged all schools, colleges, social organisations, temples, and gurudwaras to establish their own Bartan Banks to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. The Haryaval Punjab is also planning to take this campaign across Punjab to make state cleaner and plastic free.
Notably, this campaign also aligns with the broader vision of Paryavaran Gatividhi of RSS of making a cleaner and healthier Bharat, reinforcing the message of environmental responsibility.
